This newly released book is well worth reading if you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or know someone who does. Energy in the Red is the CFS resource book mentioned in 1994 issues of Emerge for which contributions were invited. The book gives a thorough overview of the illness and its management without focusing on the history of the illness or technical research details.

The book particularly appealed to me as it was written by an Australian and deals with the problems that Australians with CFS face. Written in a clear and concise way, Energy in the Red will not send you running (figuratively speaking, of course) to a medical dictionary in order to understand key terms. The book is very easy to read for those of us with concentration problems, as it is divided into many short chapters and has several pages written in point form.

The author draws on the experiences of others with CFS to create an overview of the illness and includes many real-life stories. The thoughts, feelings and descriptions of events shared by male and female sufferers of all ages further highlight the determination and courage that people with CFS have, despite their lack of physical strength. Whilst reading the book I was struck by an immediate sense of kinship with CFS sufferers world-wide. It reminded me that we really are strong individuals to successfully manage this illness.

The symptoms of CFS are given clear descriptions and if you do not suffer from them all, then you will be closer to understanding what other people go through. If you do share most symptoms mentioned then perhaps the summaries will be helpful in trying to explain to healthy people what you really feel like when the ground is moving! I found the description of 'fatigue' to be particularly applicable as it is always difficult to explain to others why I am 'not just tired'.

Interesting chapters of the book include information on employment issues, children with CFS, accommodation issues, pregnancy and CFS, Department of Social Security and other benefits, safe pest control, travelling, coping with housework, tertiary study, pain management and more. The chapter on managing ignorance, criticism and disbelief from others about CFS will be of relevance to all readers. How often have we been told that we "don't look sick" or that we "need to get out more"? The book includes some suggested replies for those times when well-meaning friends think they 'know all about CFS'.

Professor John Dwyer has written the Foreword of the book and says "This book will prove to be a valuable friend for all those struggling to rule the disease rather than have the disease rule them".

About the author: Jacqueline Finch's early training was as a general and psychiatric nurse. She has extensive experience in the areas of health education, treatment of substance abuse, personal development, management, policy development and counselling and has provided training to various organisations. She contracted CFS in 1990 and is an active member of the CFS/ME Society of NSW Inc.

Reprinted from Emerge, March 1996.